OH Man Brings Bag of Guns, Knives to 'Dark Knight'
Scott Smith was likely trying to emulate the horrific Colorado shootings when he brought a gun, extra ammo, and several knives to a late night showing of The Dark Knight Rises. Luckily his performance was cut short when an observant manager and a security guard noticed him.
Off-duty Officer Jeremiah Bullins, that night's security guard, approached Smith in the Crocker Park, Ohio theater where he was sitting and asked to check his bag. Smith complied which is when Bullins saw the weaponry.
Smith was charged with crimes related to carrying the weapons, especially given his personal status.
Prosecutors are charging Smith with carrying a weapon under disability, reports WKYC. The claim is that his prescription medications prevent him from owning firearms under any circumstances.
If proven, Smith will be in trouble for owning the weapons, never mind carrying them into a theater.
But that's not the only charge against him. Smith is also charged with carrying a concealed weapon.
Ohio, like many states, has laws requiring gun owners to get a special permit to carry a concealed weapon. Even if Smith turns out to be a lawful gun owner, it does not appear that he has a permit to carry concealed weapons.
For states that require a permit for concealed weapons, any gun owner who does not have a permit must keep their guns in view at all times while carrying them in public. Several states ban concealed weapons entirely.
Theater personnel have been on high alert since James Holmes gunned-down movie goers last month. Scott Smith's foiled attempt is evidence that their efforts are not in vain.
Related Resources:
- Westlake police confirm Scott A. Smith took gun, knives into Regal Cinemas at Crocker Park (Cleveland.com)
- No Right to Carry Concealed Gun, Judge Rules (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
- New to Gun Ownership? Know the Law (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)